U.S. patent application number 13/546286 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-01 for sprayer and media cartridge therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to AKRON DEVICE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.. Invention is credited to Thomas K. Milo, Gordon R. Schorr, Peter P. Seabase.
Application Number | 20120273588 13/546286 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41061328 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120273588 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seabase; Peter P. ; et
al. |
November 1, 2012 |
SPRAYER AND MEDIA CARTRIDGE THEREFOR
Abstract
The subject invention relates to a power sprayer that offers
flexibility of movement because it can be battery operated and is
designed to eliminate the need for cleaning its spray nozzle after
being used. Paint colors can be changed quickly by simply changing
the media cartridges that are adapted for simple attachment to the
sprayer. The media cartridges used in conjunction with the sprayers
of this invention can also eliminate the inconvenience associated
with refilling conventional power sprayers with a desired media.
The present invention more specifically discloses a sprayer media
cartridge system comprising: (a) a media container, (b) a
self-cleaning nozzle, (c) a media shut-off means, (d) a primary
media atomizing aperture in a configuration relative to the
self-cleaning nozzle, (e) a movable media containment member within
the media container, (f) a gas transfer interface, and (g) a power
unit engagement means.
Inventors: |
Seabase; Peter P.; (Cuyahoga
Falls, OH) ; Milo; Thomas K.; (Akron, OH) ;
Schorr; Gordon R.; (Uniontown, OH) |
Assignee: |
AKRON DEVICE TECHNOLOGIES,
LLC.
Akron
OH
|
Family ID: |
41061328 |
Appl. No.: |
13/546286 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12502577 |
Jul 14, 2009 |
8267331 |
|
|
13546286 |
|
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|
61080406 |
Jul 14, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/106 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 15/20 20180201;
B05B 12/002 20130101; B05B 7/0815 20130101; B05B 7/083 20130101;
B05B 7/2478 20130101; B05B 7/2481 20130101; B05B 15/16 20180201;
B05B 15/25 20180201; B05B 7/066 20130101; B05B 7/1245 20130101;
B05B 15/63 20180201; B05B 7/2416 20130101; B05B 15/62 20180201;
B05B 7/2437 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/106 |
International
Class: |
B05B 15/02 20060101
B05B015/02 |
Claims
1. A media cartridge system for a sprayer comprising: (a) a media
container, (b) a self-cleaning nozzle, (c) a media shut-off means,
(d) a primary media atomizing aperture in a configuration relative
to the self-cleaning nozzle, (e) a movable media containment member
within the media container, (f) a gas transfer interface, and (g) a
power unit engagement means which is adapted to provide for
temporary attachment to a media cartridge engagement means of a
power unit.
2. A media cartridge system for a sprayer as specified in claim 1
wherein the media cartridge system further comprises an external
media supply container.
3. A media cartridge system for a sprayer as specified in claim 1
wherein the media shut-off means includes a mechanical interference
comprising a self cleaning nozzle.
4. A media cartridge system for a sprayer as specified in claim 1
wherein the movable media containment member is a piston.
5. A media cartridge system for a sprayer as specified in claim 1
wherein the movable media containment member is a flexible
bladder.
6. A media cartridge system for a sprayer as specified in claim 1
wherein the movable media containment member is a bellows.
7. A media cartridge system as specified in claim 1 wherein the
primary atomization aperture is configured to cause the flow of a
primary atomization gas to converge to provide an area of very high
turbulence in the media flow path.
8. A media cartridge system as specified in claim 1 wherein the
movable containment member is adapted to provide media flow in
response to a force differential provided by gas pressure.
9. A media cartridge system as specified in claim 8 wherein the
force differential is applied directly to the movable media
containment member.
10. A media cartridge system as specified in claim 8 wherein the
force differential is applied indirectly through an additional
movable fluid containment member.
11. A media cartridge system as specified in claim 1 wherein at
least two movable media containment members are present in the
media container.
12. A media cartridge system as specified in claim 1 wherein the
gas transfer interface supplies the primary atomization
aperture.
13. A media cartridge system as specified in claim 12 wherein gas
transfer interface additionally supplies enhanced secondary
gas.
14. A media cartridge system as specified in claim 1 which is
further comprised of a media preparation device for mixing the
media.
15. A media cartridge system as specified in claim 1 which is
further comprised of a power unit electronic interface for
cartridge identification and parameter adjustment.
16. A media cartridge system as specified in claim 7 wherein the
power unit includes (1) an electrical power source, (2) an electric
motor, (3) a pump which is driven by the motor, (4) an electrical
control switch, (5) a media cartridge air transfer interface, and
(6) the media cartridge engagement means.
17. A media cartridge system as specified in claim 16 wherein the
pump is a gas pump.
18. A media cartridge system as specified in claim 16 wherein the
sprayer further comprises a constant output control wherein the
constant output control provides the electric motor with
electricity.
19. A media cartridge system as specified in claim 16 wherein the
output control is an adjustable output control.
20. A sprayer having a configuration which comprises a media
outlet, a storage device/energy source, at least one primary
atomization outlet, and at least one spray pattern
shaping/secondary outlet that minimizes power usage, wherein the
primary outlet utilizes higher pressure than the secondary outlet,
wherein the higher pressure utilized by the primary outlet is at
least 2 times the pressure of the pressure utilized by the
secondary outlet and wherein the primary atomization aperture is
configured in a convex shape relative to the media aperture to
provide enhanced self-cleaning as well as increased gas flow by
entrainment of ambient gases through a coanda effect.
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/502,577, filed on Jul. 14, 2009 (presently pending)
which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 61/080,406, filed on Jul. 14, 2008. The teachings of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/080,406 and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/502,577 are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A wide variety of consumer products are frequently packaged
in aerosol cans. These products include paints, hair spray,
insecticides, herbicides, air fresheners, perfumes, fragrances,
antimicrobial agents, cleaners, anti-sticking agents, and the like.
Even though packaging these types of products in aerosol cans has
been well accepted by consumers for decades, the continued use of
aerosol cans for packaging consumer products is coming under
greater and greater scrutiny. Most of the criticism relating to the
use of aerosol cans originates from the thesis that aerosols are
harmful to the environment. Additionally, the aerosol cans
themselves are typically discarded after being used and generally
end up in landfills as solid waste. In actual practice the steel of
which aerosol cans are made is seldom recycled.
[0003] Aerosol cans also have the drawback of potentially exploding
and causing personal injury and/or property damage if they are
exposed to high temperatures during storage or transportation. This
danger of explosion limits the manner in which products that are
packaged in aerosol cans are transported, stored, and utilized.
[0004] Power sprayers that can be used to apply liquid
compositions, such as paints, insecticides, lubricants, and the
like to substrates are a viable alternative to aerosols. In fact,
power sprayers circumvent many of the problems associated with the
use of aerosols. For instance, the use of power sprayers does not
present the explosion hazard or the environmental concerns
associated with aerosol products. However, power sprayers are
frequently awkward to handle and difficult to clean after being
used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The subject invention relates to a power sprayer that can be
conveniently used by both professionals and amateurs. This power
sprayer offers flexibility of movement because it can be battery
operated. It also is designed to eliminate the need for cleaning
its spray nozzle after being used. The media being sprayed can also
be easily changed quickly and easily. For instance, paint colors
can be changed quickly and repeatedly by simply changing the media
cartridges that are adapted for simple attachment to the sprayer.
The media cartridges used in conjunction with the sprayers of this
invention also eliminate the inconvenience associated with
refilling conventional power sprayers with a desired media. Even
more importantly, it eliminates the need for extensive clean-up and
cleaning materials, such as solvents, rags, paper towels, etc.,
which is time-consuming and has a negative impact on the
environment. One of the most important benefits of the present
invention is the ability to deliver virtually any media, including
waterborne systems, without compromising the spray quality and
flexibility of a spray can. In fact, the power sprayer of this
invention offer even better flexibility than conventional sprayers
or spray cans by virtue of being capable of being used while in any
orientation.
[0006] The present invention more specifically discloses a media
cartridge system for a sprayer comprising: (a) a media container,
(b) a self-cleaning nozzle, (c) a media shut-off means, (d) a
primary media atomizing aperture in a configuration relative to the
self-cleaning nozzle, (e) a movable media containment member within
the media container, (f) a gas transfer interface, and (g) a power
unit engagement means.
[0007] The subject invention further discloses a sprayer which is
comprised of (1) an electrical power source, (2) an electric motor,
(3) a pump which is driven by the motor, (4) an output, (5) an
electrical control switch, (6) a media cartridge air transfer
interface, (7) a media cartridge engagement means, and (8) a media
cartridge which is comprised of (a) a media container, (b) a
self-cleaning nozzle, (c) a media shut-off means, (d) a primary
media atomizing aperture in a configuration relative to the
self-cleaning nozzle, (e) a movable media containment member within
the media container, (f) a gas transfer interface, and (g) a power
unit engagement means.
[0008] The present invention also reveals a sprayer which is
comprised of (1) a power unit which includes (a) an electrical
power source, (b) an electric motor, (c) a pump which is driven by
the motor, (d) an output control, and (e) an electrical control
switch, (2) a nozzle unit which includes (a) a media cartridge air
transfer interface, (b) a power unit engagement means, (c) a gas
transfer interface, and (3) a media container wherein the media
container includes (a) a media cartridge engagement means, (b) a
movable media containment member within the media container, (c) a
media container air transfer interface and (d) a media supply line
interface.
[0009] The subject invention further discloses a sprayer having a
configuration which comprises a media outlet, a storage
device/energy source (such as a capacitor, a fuel cell or a
battery), at least one primary atomization outlet, and at least one
spray pattern shaping/secondary outlet that minimizes power usage,
wherein the primary outlet utilizes higher pressure than the
secondary outlet, wherein the higher pressure utilized by the
primary outlet is at least 2 times the pressure of the pressure
utilized by the secondary outlet and wherein the primary
atomization aperture is configured in a convex shape relative to
the media aperture to provide enhanced self-cleaning as well as
increased gas flow by entrainment of ambient gases through a coanda
effect. The objective of this sprayer system is to deliver and
shape a higher level of media at the same level of power
consumption as compared to conventional spraying technology. This
is accomplished by separating the need for high energy atomization
air flow from the lower pressure needed to attain a desired spray
pattern.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power sprayer of this
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the power sprayer
depicted in FIG. 1 showing the media cartridge detached from the
power unit.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the power sprayer
depicted in FIG. 1 as cut along section line 3-3.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a partial section view showing one embodiment of
this invention depicting an electro-magnetic vibrator for media
agitation.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a partial section view showing one embodiment of
this invention depicting an acoustical/electro-magnetic vibrator
for media agitation.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the power sprayer of this invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the power-sprayer of
FIG. 6 highlighting the internal components of the nozzle portion
of the media cartridge in a "closed/not spraying" mode.
[0017] FIG. 8 is an orthographic view of the media cartridge.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the power-sprayer of
FIG. 6 highlighting the internal components of the nozzle portion
of the media cartridge in an open spraying mode depicting the flow
pattern of both the spray media and primary and secondary air.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the power-sprayer of
FIG. 6 highlighting the internal components of the nozzle portion
of the media cartridge in an open spraying mode depicting an oval
spray pattern that can be attained due to positioning of the tip
guard. FIG. 10 illustrates both a vertical flat pattern 61 and a
horizontal flat pattern 62 either of which can be attained via
appropriate orientation of the secondary air pattern shaping outlet
port 40.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the power-sprayer of
FIG. 6 highlighting the internal components of the nozzle portion
of the media cartridge in an open spraying mode depicting a round
spray pattern that can be attained due to positioning of the tip
guard. FIG. 11 depicts a shut media nozzle 63 before and after
spraying occurs and further depicts an open media nozzle 64
utilized to attain a round spray pattern 65.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the
power sprayer of this invention.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the
power sprayer of this invention showing a wand hand extension.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the power sprayer of FIG. 13
showing an optional pivot arm with a wheel attachment.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a media cartridge adaptor
depicting a nozzle and a power unit interface 66 and an external
media supply connector 67.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a media cartridge equipped
with a piston 59 as the movable media containment member.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a media cartridge equipped
with a bellows 60 as the movable media containment member depicts
the media as partially expended.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a schematic view depicting a media cartridge
wherein an air bladder 68 indirectly activates the media
containment bladder 36.
[0028] FIG. 19 is a schematic view depicting a media cartridge
having two movable media containment members which in this
embodiment of the invention are bellows 60. In this embodiment of
the invention, there are two media shutoff means 29. In this figure
the movable media containment member depicts the media as partially
expended.
REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN FIGURES
[0029] The reference numerals used in the drawings to identify
various parts or elements of the power sprayer and media cartridge
used in the practice of this invention are as follows: [0030] 1.
media cartridge [0031] 2. power unit [0032] 3. power unit handle
[0033] 4. nozzle [0034] 5. flexible bladder (moveable media
containment member) [0035] 6. media container [0036] 7. agitation
sphere (media preparation device) [0037] 8. trigger [0038] 9.
batteries (electrical power source) [0039] 10. electric motor
[0040] 11. gear train [0041] 12. pump [0042] 13. constant output
control [0043] 14. power unit gas transfer line [0044] 15. media
cartridge (air) gas transfer interface [0045] 16. electromechanical
vibrator [0046] 17. acoustical plate [0047] 18. electromagnetic
drive [0048] 19. power unit engagement means [0049] 20. power unit
mounting bracket [0050] 21. power unit gas transfer interface (gas
transfer interface) [0051] 22. control switch (electrical) [0052]
23. media flow control means [0053] 24. tip guard [0054] 25. air
inlet [0055] 26. secondary air blower [0056] 27. primary air
aperture (primary media atomizing aperture) [0057] 28. media
aperture [0058] 29. media needle (media shut-off means) [0059] 30.
mechanical interference [0060] 31. mechanical interference seat
[0061] 32. shut-off spring [0062] 33. media supply valving needle
[0063] 34. diaphragm [0064] 35. secondary air supply [0065] 36.
bladder (movable media containment member) [0066] 37. media [0067]
38. access port [0068] 39. seals [0069] 40. secondary air pattern
shaping outlet port [0070] 41. secondary air outlet [0071] 42.
convex nozzle tip [0072] 43. media nozzle tip [0073] 44.
trigger/nozzle engagement member [0074] 45. spray pattern [0075]
46. atomized media [0076] 47. secondary air [0077] 48. primary
atomization air [0078] 49. pattern shaping air [0079] 50. wand
[0080] 51. handle [0081] 52. wand trigger [0082] 53. pivot arm
[0083] 54. wheel [0084] 55. power sprayer [0085] 56. wand sprayer
[0086] 57. media cartridge engagement means [0087] 58. power unit
identification means [0088] 59. piston [0089] 60. bellows [0090]
61. vertical flat pattern [0091] 62. horizontal flat pattern [0092]
63. shut media nozzle [0093] 64. open media nozzle [0094] 65. round
spray pattern [0095] 66. nozzle and power unit interface [0096] 67.
external media supply connector [0097] 68. air bladder [0098] 69.
external media container
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0099] The power sprayers of this invention can be made utilizing a
wide variety of designs wherein the power unit and media cartridge
can be of a variety of different shapes and orientations to each
other. FIG. 1 depicts one typical design for such a power sprayer
55. As can be seen, the power sprayer depicted in FIG. 1 includes a
media cartridge 1 which attaches to the top of a power unit 2. This
sprayer includes a power unit handle 3 which connects the power
unit 2 to the media cartridge 1. The media cartridge includes a
nozzle 4 which extends forwardly from the media cartridge 1.
[0100] FIG. 2 depicts the power sprayer of FIG. 1 wherein the media
cartridge 1 is disengaged from the power unit 2. The media
cartridge can be affixed to the power unit via the power unit
mounting bracket 20 to which the power unit engagement means 19
attaches.
[0101] In the design shown, this attachment is effectuated by the
interlocking edges which taper in one direction to engage the media
cartridge to the power unit at the desired orientation. In this
orientation, the power unit gas transfer interface 21 which is a
port that aligns with a media cartridge gas transfer interface 15
(as shown in FIG. 3).
[0102] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the power sprayer of
FIG. 1 showing the media cartridge affixed to the power unit. As
can be seen, the media cartridge includes a media container 6 which
is filled with media 37. In cases where the media is a liquid it is
highly preferred from the movable media containment member to be
essentially free of gases. In any case, the media is contained in
the media container 6 with a movable media containment member 5.
The media container also includes an agitation sphere 7 for
preparing the media for application to a substrate by agitating the
media to attain a homogeneous mixture. As can be seen, the media
cartridge includes a nozzle 4 through which the media passes while
being sprayed. The media cartridge also includes a media cartridge
gas transfer interface 15 which mates with the power unit gas
transfer interface 21 to provide a pressurized gas such as air
which provides force to compress the movable media containment
member 5 to force the media 37 there from and ultimately out
through nozzle 4 into a desired spray pattern.
[0103] The gas from the power unit is compressed by pump 12 which
is typically powered by an electric motor 10 having an appropriate
gear train 11, if necessary. The electric motor is typically
powered with DC batteries 9 which provide DC current to the
electric motor. This supply of electricity optimally is through an
output control 13 which is capable of providing the electric motor
with constant voltage to attain consistent motor speed (constant
revolutions per minute). In other embodiments of this invention,
the output control 13 can be designed to provide variable output
motor speed to attain desired spray patterns or can be designed to
provide controllable output. For instance, the output of the motor
can be automatically set by the device to attain a desirable spray
pattern predicated upon the distance of the spray nozzle from a
substrate surface as could be automatically determined utilizing an
infrared, radar, or ultrasonic distance measurement system.
[0104] The operation of the unit can be controlled via switch 22
which toggles between an open and closed position via trigger 8 to
provide power to the unit as desired. In one embodiment of this
invention the switch can be a variable control which will allow the
motor to increase or decrease in speed depending upon the degree to
which the trigger is pulled. The variable control can be a
rheostat, a pot, or any other device capable or providing a
variable signal to the output control 13.
[0105] FIG. 4 depicts a media cartridge having a nozzle of convex
shape. This device shows an electro-mechanical vibrator 16 for
agitating the media to attain a homogeneous mixture. FIG. 5 also
depicts such a media cartridge wherein an acoustical plate 17 or an
electromagnetic device 18 is utilized to agitate the media wherein
such agitation can optionally be carried out with the aid of an
agitation sphere 7. It should be noted that a convex nozzle shape
provides enhanced resistance to air nozzle clogging.
[0106] FIG. 6 depicts another embodiment for a spray gun 55 in
accordance with this invention. This design includes a tip guard 24
which protects the tip of the nozzle from damage which could occur
during mishaps such as dropping the spray gun which would adversely
affect the quality of the spray. In this design, inlet air 25 is
drawn in by the power unit 2 by a secondary air blower 26. The
inlet air acts to cool the electric motor 10 and the pump 12. The
compressed air exiting the secondary air blower moves through the
power unit assembly and enters into the media cartridge as depicted
in FIG. 7. FIG. 6 shows a trigger 8 which is integrated with a
media flow control means 23. The media flow control means can be a
valve that limits the gas (air) pressure in the media container 6
to moderate the amount of pressure applied to the bladder 36 in the
embodiment of the invention. In an alternative embodiment of this
invention the media flow control means 23 can also limit the travel
of the trigger to a desired stop point which also limits the travel
of the needle 29 to limit the amount of atomized media 46 spray (as
shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11). In still another embodiment of this
invention the trigger is used to control the ratio of media flow to
gas (air) flow. The trigger 8 can further be used to operate the
control stitch 22 to activate the output control 13 and to attain
the desired electric motor 10 operating speed (rpm output) desired.
As can be seen in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the trigger 8 has a flexible
element that engages the trigger/nozzle engagement member 44. In
one embodiment of this invention, the trigger/nozzle engagement
member 44 is phased to allow the control switch to activate gas
flow before media flow. On trigger 8 the media 37 flow can be
terminated before gas flow (primary atomization air 48 flow and
secondary air 47 flow) is terminated to enhance the self-cleaning
feature of the nozzle 4.
[0107] The secondary air flows through the nozzle of the media
cartridge and is the source of the secondary air supply 35 can
change the desired spray pattern and the secondary air supply 35
can result in augmented secondary air 47 through the coanda effect
(as illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11). The pump provides
pressurized air which flows through a power unit gas transfer line
14 through the power unit gas transfer interface 21 (as shown in
FIG. 7) and into the media cartridge gas transfer interface 15 and
through the nozzle as primary atomizing air 48 and ultimately
through the primary air aperture 27 of the nozzle. The primary
atomizing air 48 and the secondary air 47 converge to provide an
atomized media 46 as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11.
[0108] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the power-sprayer of
FIG. 6 highlighting the internal components of the nozzle portion
of the media cartridge in a "closed position" depicting the typical
resting position of the mechanical interference 30 when the nozzle
4 is not spraying atomized media. In this position the mechanical
interference 30 closes the nozzle 4 by moving forward to form a
seal by contact with the mechanical interference seat 31. In this
position the media supply valve needle 53 is not penetrating
through the diaphragm 34 to allow media 37 to flow from the
moveable media containment member 5 to the nozzle 4. The power unit
identification means 58 can be a mechanical or electrical device
that identifies the cartridge and optionally its contents. It
typically also adjusts output parameters to attain a desired
result. These parameters can include but are not limited to a fine,
medium or heavy spray output and coverage or quality. This is
accomplished through control by varying the output of the primary
and secondary air supplies, motor, pump and/or media output.
[0109] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the power-sprayer of
FIG. 6 highlighting the internal components of the nozzle portion
of the media cartridge in an "open position" depicting the position
of the mechanical interference 30 when the nozzle 4 is spraying
atomized media. In this position the mechanical interference 30 is
pulled back to open the nozzle 4 by to allow media to flow through
the media aperture 28. In this open position the media shut off
needle is pulled away from the mechanical interference seat 31 to
allow media 37 to flow around it and out of the primary aperture
27. In this position the media supply valve needle 53 penetrates
through the diaphragm 34 to allow media 37 to flow from the media
bladder 36 to the nozzle 4. FIG. 9 also shows the flow pattern of
the atomized spray media 46, the primary atomizing air 48, and
secondary air 47.
[0110] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the power-sprayer of
FIG. 6 highlighting the internal components of the nozzle portion
of the media cartridge in an open spraying mode depicting an oval
spray pattern that can be attained by appropriate positioning of
the tip guard 24. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the
power-sprayer highlighting the internal components of the nozzle
portion of the media cartridge in an open spraying mode depicting a
round spray pattern that can be attained by positioning the tip
guard 24 in a different orientation. As can be seen in FIG. 10 and
FIG. 11, the atomized media 46 can be sprayed into a variable and
desired spray pattern 45. It should be noted that the gas flow acts
to both cause media atomization and media flow. Media flow is
caused by a force differential which can be mechanical, vacuum,
and/or positive pressure. For instance, a pressure can be applied
upon the moveable media containment member 5 to attain an adequate
pressure differential to cause the desired level of media flow.
FIG. 10 also depicts that secondary air pattern shaping outlet
ports 40 cause a convergence of the secondary air supply 35 onto
the primary atomization air 48. The pattern shaping air 49 acts in
concert with the secondary air 47 to provide the desired spray
pattern 45.
[0111] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the
power sprayer of this invention. In this embodiment of the
invention the power sprayer 55 is affixed to a folding power unit
handle 3. As illustrated in FIG. 13 the power sprayer 55 can be
affixed to a wand 50 (an extension handle) having a handle 51 and a
wand trigger 52 to facilitate spraying objects that would
ordinarily be difficult to reach. For instance, the wand could be
affixed to the power sprayer 50 to spray substrates that ordinarily
could not be reached without using a ladder. FIG. 14 is a schematic
view that depicts another embodiment of the invention in the form
of a ward sprayer 56 wherein an optional pivot arm 53 with a wheel
54 is attached to the power sprayer 55. This embodiment of the
invention can be conveniently be used to spray lines on a highway,
parking lot, or field.
[0112] While certain representative embodiments and details have
been shown for the purpose of illustrating the subject invention,
it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that various
changes and modifications can be made therein without departing
from the scope of the subject invention.
* * * * *